Port Arthur-Beaumont Interurban Railway
Historical marker location:Port Arthur-Beaumont Interurban Railway
Electric railways known as Interurbans existed in Texas from 1901 until the 1940s to provide frequent opportunities for the public to travel between urban centers. Interurban service between Beaumont and Port Arthur began on December 16, 1913, lasting until competition from automobiles and buses caused passenger use of the rail line to decline. The Jefferson County Traction Company and the Beaumont Traction Company, subsidiaries of the East Texas Electric
Company, owned and operated the Port Arthur-Beaumont Interurban Railway. Tickets were 90 cents for a round trip. Passengers departed from Port Arthur at a terminal station and maintenance facility at this site and could board or get off the interurban at any of 10 stops along the route. The electric rail cars seated 48 people, but often there were many more on board. The cars could also be chartered for group trips and were popular for weekend excursions. The interurban service was used to evacuate Port Arthur citizens fleeing the 1915 hurricane until the high water caused a power failure. Some passengers were stranded in the cars for 12 hours.
The last recorded trip of the Port Arthur-Beaumont Interurban was August 15, 1932. By that time, private automobiles had become the more popular mode of transportation, while increased consumption and new demands for electricity more than made up for the electric company's loss of the interurban's need for electric power.
(2002)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
In the early 1820s, Empresario Joseph Vehlein obtained a contract to settle 300 families in the region. The land, once inhabited by the Atakapa people, soon attracted settlers of various origins, including Americans, Europeans, and enslaved Africans. The area became known for its fertile soil, offering ideal conditions for agriculture and ranching.
The city of Beaumont was established in the mid-19th century and quickly developed into a major trading and shipping center due to its access to the Neches River and the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked a turning point in the county's history, as the region experienced a significant oil boom. This brought great prosperity and transformed the area's economy, leading to the development of the petrochemical industry in the following decades.
Throughout the 20th century, Jefferson County witnessed various social and economic changes. It played a key role in World War II, serving as the location for significant military activity, including the establishment of one of the largest military shipbuilding centers in the country. The county also experienced desegregation struggles during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, which eventually led to greater equality.
Today, Jefferson County continues to be an important industrial center for petrochemicals and petroleum-related industries. It is also home to a diverse population and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Jefferson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jefferson County, Texas.
- 1836: Jefferson County is established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: The town of Beaumont is founded.
- 1840: Jefferson County becomes part of the newly-formed State of Texas.
- 1845: Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jefferson County becomes a county within the state.
- 1858: A railroad is completed, connecting Beaumont to surrounding areas.
- 1865: The Civil War ends, and Jefferson County begins to recover from the war's impact.
- 1881: The Spindletop oil field, the first major oil discovery in Texas, is found in Jefferson County.
- 1901: The Lucas Gusher at Spindletop oil field erupts, launching the Texas oil boom.
- 1925: The Neches River is first navigable by deep-draft vessels, boosting the county's shipping industry.
- 1943: The Port of Beaumont is established as a major center for the shipping and petrochemical industries.
- 1989: Hurricane Gilbert strikes Jefferson County, causing significant damage to the area.
- 2005: Hurricane Rita makes landfall in Jefferson County, leading to widespread devastation.
- 2017: Hurricane Harvey causes widespread flooding in Jefferson County.